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January 23, 2010

Wellesley Athletics Holds Sports Achievement for Girls and Women Celebration

WELLESLEY, Mass. - On Wednesday, January 20, Wellesley Athletics and the Madeleine Korbel Albright Institute for Global Affairs joined the NCAA and the Women's Sports Foundation to host "A Community Celebration: Sports Achievement for Girls and Women". Wellesley welcomed special guest, former Secretary of State and 1959 Wellesley College graduate, Madeleine Korbel Albright, to the Keohane Sports Center for the special event.

Secretary Albright came to Wellesley to celebrate and promote girls and women in sports, as well as to accept the 2009 NCAA Theodore Roosevelt Award at halftime of the Wellesley-Wheaton basketball game. The Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt Award is presented annually to a former NCAA student-athlete whose athletic participation in college and continued attention to physical well-being after graduation have been important factors in a distinguished career of national significance.  Secretary Albright participated in swimming, rowing, and field hockey at Wellesley before sports were elevated to varsity status.  In 1997, she became the 64th Secretary of State, making her the highest-ranking woman in the history of the U.S. government.  

Jim Isch, Interim President of the NCAA, presented Secretary Alright with the honor at halftime of the Blue basketball game.  Mr. Isch was one of several dignitaries in attendance.  Senior Advisor to the NCAA President, Wallace Renfro, also represented the NCAA, while the Women's Sports Foundation was represented by Chief Executive Officer, Karen Durkin, Leadership Gifts Officer, Chris Voelz, and Boston GoGirlGo! Director, Whitney Post.  Also in attendance were Wellesley College President Kim Bottomly, Wellesley College Athletic Director Bridget Belgiovine, and Alumnae Co-Chair of the Friends of Wellesley College Athletics, Maria Finarelli.

The Wellesley basketball team capped the eventful evening with a thrilling 61-59 victory over NEWMAC-rival Wheaton.  First-year Malia Maier (Torrence, CA) posted 22 points for the Blue, including the game-winning free-throws after a steal and fast break with 12 seconds remaining in the game.

Videos from the event can be found at: http://www.youtube.com/wellesleyathletics